Systems and methods for treating spinal deformities

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods of treating spinal deformity, including one or more intervertebral implants to be introduced laterally into respective intervertebral spaces, a plurality of bone screws introduced generally laterally into vertebral bodies adjacent to the intervertebral implants and/or the intervertebral implants themselves, and a cable dimensioned to be coupled to the bone screws and manipulated to adjust and/or correct the spinal deformity.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/490,995, (Now U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,521), filed Jul. 20, 2006, whichclaims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/701,308, filed on Jul. 20, 2005, the entire contents ofwhich are each expressly incorporated by reference into this disclosureas if set forth fully herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to surgical fixation and, moreparticularly, to systems and methods for treating spinal deformities.

II. Discussion of the Prior Art

The human spine exhibits some degree of curvature at different levels tofacilitate normal physiologic function. Correction of the spine may berequired when the curvature of the spine deviates substantially fromnormal. The misalignment usually manifests itself in an asymmetry of thevertebral bodies, such that, over a sequence of vertebrae, the spinetwists and/or bends to one side. This lateral deviation of the spine iscommonly termed scoliosis.

Spinal deformity occurs when a patient has abnormal frontal or sagittalplane alignment. At the same time, the cervical and lumbar spine exhibitlordosis, while the thoracic spine has kyphosis. Thus, when performingspinal fusion, surgeons may be required to preserve or restore bothfront plane and sagittal alignment while taking lordosis and kyphosisinto account. Scoliosis can develop later in life, as joints in thespine degenerate and create a bend in the back which may requiresurgery.

Surgery has traditionally involved procedures such as the Harrington,Dwyer and Zielke, and Luque procedures which rely on implanted rods,laminar/pedicle hooks, and screws to maintain the correction untilstabilized by fusion of vertebrae. According to these surgicaltechniques, treating scoliosis includes the implantation of a pluralityof hooks and/or screws into the spinal bones, connecting rods to theseelements, physically bracing the bones into the desired positions, andpermitting the bones to fuse across the entire assembly. Thisimmobilization often requires anterior plates, rods and screws andposterior rods, hooks and/or screws. Alternatively, spacer elements arepositioned between the sequential bones, which spacers are oftendesigned to permit fusion of the bone into the matrix of the spacer fromeither end, hastening the necessary rigidity of the developing bonestructure.

The Harrington instrumentation system has been used successfully forsome time, but because the distraction rod is fixed to the spine in onlytwo places, failure at either end causes the entire system to fail.Another deficiency with existing mechanisms and approaches is that thesingle rod used to correct the defects must be contoured to fit variousattachment sites. In patients having compound spinal deformity, this maybe extremely difficult. A further problem is that the contoured rodfrequently limits further correction of certain types of deformities.That is, once the rod is in position, further correction of thedeformity is difficult, since existing systems tend to limit incrementalalignment procedures.

The present invention is directed at overcoming, or at least improvingupon, the disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention accomplishes this goal by providing a spinalalignment system that may be affixed to a plurality of vertebra via anynumber of suitable techniques, such as open surgery or minimallyinvasive surgery. The spinal alignment system can take the form ofeither a single level system or a multi-level system. Fixing adjacentvertebra in this manner is advantageous in that it provides a desiredlevel of flexibility to parts of the spine, while also providinglong-term durability and consistent stabilization.

According to one broad aspect of the present invention, a single levelspinal alignment system includes a cable, a superior bone screw, aninferior bone screw, and at least one spinal fusion implant. This singlelevel spinal alignment system may be used to treat spinal deformities,including but not limited to scoliosis. To do so, access may be providedthrough a lateral approach utilizing either an open or a minimallyinvasive technique. According to one aspect of the present invention, aspinal fusion implant is introduced into a targeted intervertebral spaceafter access has been achieved. A superior bone screw and an inferiorbone screw may thereafter be anchored into the immediately superior andimmediately inferior vertebral bodies, respectively, on either side ofthe targeted intervertebral space. According to one embodiment, thecable may be locked to the superior bone screw and thereafter pulled orotherwise manipulated such that the distance between the superior bonescrew and inferior bone screw is reduced. This serves to move thesuperior and inferior vertebral bodies so as to correct or minimize thespinal deformity. After this reduction, the cable may be locked to theinferior bone screw to maintain the superior and inferior vertebralbodies in the resulting configuration. In addition to manner describedabove, it is also contemplated that the cable may be coupled to thesuperior bone screw prior to introducing the inferior bone screw.

According to one broad aspect of the present invention, a multi levelspinal alignment system comprises a cable, a superior bone screw, aninferior bone screw, at least one middle bone screw, and at least onespinal fusion implant. The multi level spinal alignment system of thepresent invention may be used to treat spinal deformities, including butnot limited to scoliosis. To do so, access may be provided through alateral approach utilizing either an open or minimally invasivetechnique. According to one aspect of the present invention, a pluralityof spinal fusion implants are introduced into targeted intervertebralspaces after access has been achieved. A superior bone screw isintroduced into the vertebral body immediately superior to the highestof the spinal fusion implants. An inferior bone screw is introduced intothe vertebral body immediately inferior to the lowest of the spinalfusion implants. A middle bone screw is introduced into each vertebralbody in between the superior bone screw and the inferior bone screw.

According to one embodiment, the cable may be threaded or otherwisepassed through apertures in the middle screws, and thereafter locked tothe superior bone screw. The cable may then be pulled or otherwisemanipulated such that the distance between the superior bone screw, theinferior bone screw, and any middle bone screws is reduced. This servesto move the superior vertebral body, the inferior vertebral body, andany intermediate vertebral bodies so as to correct or minimize thespinal deformity. After this reduction, the cable may be locked to themiddle bone screws and inferior bone screw to maintain the superiorvertebral body, inferior vertebral body, and any intermediate vertebralbodies in the resulting configuration. In addition to manner describedabove, it is also contemplated that the cable may be coupled to one ofthe bone screws (e.g. the superior bone screw) prior to introducing theother bone screws (e.g. the inferior bone screw).

The cable is an elongated flexible member with a first end, a secondend, a head member located at the first end, and a main portionextending from the head member to the second end. The head member of thecable is preferably located at one end of the cable. The head member maybe a spherical body shaped to be relieved within and locked into thesuperior bone screw. The head member may also be dimensioned in anynumber of suitable shapes necessary to facilitate surgical fixation,including but not limited to oval, flat or rectangular. The head membermay also include an aperture extending generally perpendicularly throughthe surface of the head member to accept a post or other purchaseelement provided on the superior bone screw.

The main portion may be composed of any substantially and suitableflexible material capable of performing spinal alignment including, butnot limited to, steel, nylon, plastics, or various composites.Accordingly, any suitable shape for the cable is useable, whethercylindrical, flat, square, or other suitable shapes and configurationswithin the scope of the present invention. The main portion of the cablemay also include a plurality of apertures located near the proximal orsecond end of the cable whereby the apertures extend generallyperpendicularly through the surface of the cable. As is described indetail below, the cable is used to straighten curvature in the spine.

The superior bone screw may either be fixed-angle or polyaxial.Fixed-angle screws and polyaxial screws are generally known in the artand will not be further explained herein. Other fasteners or anchors mayalso be used, such as those commonly used in surgical fixationprocedures. The superior bone screw may be cannulated in order to allowprecise insertion with the use of a K-wire or other surgicalinsertion-facilitating device that may be commonly used in such aprocedure. The superior bone screw may include a receiving post insteadof the usual receiving head on a fixed and polyaxial screw.

The inferior bone screw may either be fixed-angle or polyaxial. Otherfasteners or anchors may be used, such that is commonly used in surgicalfixation procedures. The inferior bone screw may be cannulated in orderto allow precise insertion with the use of a K-wire or other surgicalinsertion-facilitating device that may be commonly used in such aprocedure. The inferior bone screw may include a receiving post insteadof the usual receiving head on a fixed and polyaxial screw.

The middle bone screw(s) may be either fixed-angle or polyaxial. Itshould also be noted that the middle bone screw(s) may include anaperture located on the head of the screw. Each aperture has asubstantially spherical inside surface with a top diameter and a bottomdiameter with a circular shape. It should be noted that any combinationof fixed and/or polyaxial screws may be used in connection with thesuperior bone screw, the inferior bone screw, and/or the middle bonescrew(s).

The spinal fusion implants are of non-bone construction and may beprovided in any number of suitable shapes and sizes depending upon theparticular surgical need. The spinal fusion implant may be dimensionedfor use in the cervical and/or lumbar spine in any variety of ways, suchas the design described in commonly owned and co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/093,409, the entire contents of which are herebyexpressly incorporated by reference into this disclosure as if set forthfully herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many advantages of the present invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art with a reading of this specification in conjunctionwith the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals are appliedto like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a human spine having scoliosis;

FIG. 2 is a lateral view of a single level spinal alignment systemaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an anterior view of the single level spinal alignment systemaccording to the embodiment drawn in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an anterior view of a multi-level spinal alignment systemaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a posterior view of the multi-level spinal alignment systemaccording to the embodiment drawn in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a lateral view of the multi level spinal alignment systemaccording to the embodiment drawn in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a multi-level spinal alignment systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a multi-level spinal alignment systemaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multi level spinal alignment systemaccording to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a spinal fusion implant according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates aspects of performing multi-level spinal deformitycorrection according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates aspects of performing multi-level spinal deformitycorrection according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates aspects of performing multi-level spinal deformitycorrection according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an anterior view illustrating a spinal alignment systemaccording to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 15-16 are perspective views of the spinal fusion implant of FIG.14 with a bone screw extending partially through the implant (FIG. 15)and substantially through the entire implant (FIG. 16) according to thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In theinterest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation aredescribed in this specification. It will of course be appreciated thatin the development of any such actual embodiment, numerousimplementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedevelopers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure. The spinal alignment system disclosed herein boasts avariety of inventive features and components that warrant patentprotection, both individually and in combination.

FIG. 1 shows a human spine (comprising vertebrae 102 and intervertebraldiscs 104) with scoliosis, which is in need of correction according tothe present invention. As will be described in detail below, the presentinvention accomplishes this by providing a spinal alignment systemcomprising one or more spinal fusion implants, a plurality of bonescrews, and a cable which cooperate to correct or minimize theparticular spinal deformity. The spinal alignment system can take theform of either a single level system or a multi-level system. Fixingadjacent vertebra in this manner is advantageous in that it provides adesired level of flexibility to parts of the spine, while also providinglong-term durability and consistent stabilization.

FIGS. 2-3 are lateral and anterior views (respectively) of a singlelevel spinal alignment system 10 according to a first broad aspect ofthe present invention. The spinal alignment system 10 includes a cable12, a superior bone screw 14, an inferior bone screw 18, and at leastone spinal fusion implant 28, all of which may be preferably introducedinto the patient in a generally lateral direction (via open or minimallyinvasive techniques). According to one aspect of the present invention,a spinal fusion implant 28 is introduced into a targeted intervertebralspace after access has been achieved. A superior bone screw 14 and aninferior bone screw 18 may thereafter be anchored into the immediatelysuperior and immediately inferior vertebral bodies, respectively, oneither side of the targeted intervertebral space. As will beappreciated, one or more of the bone screws 14, 18 may be implantedprior to the implant 28 without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. According to one embodiment, the cable 12 may be locked tothe superior bone screw 14 and thereafter pulled or otherwisemanipulated such that the distance between the superior bone screw 14and inferior bone screw 18 is reduced. This serves to move the superiorand inferior vertebral bodies so as to correct or minimize the spinaldeformity. After this reduction, the cable 12 may be locked to theinferior bone screw 18 to maintain the superior and inferior vertebralbodies in the resulting configuration. In addition to manner describedabove, it is also contemplated that the cable 12 may be coupled to thesuperior bone screw 14 prior to introducing the inferior bone screw 18,and that the cable 12 may be coupled to the inferior bone screw 18before the superior bone screw 14.

FIGS. 4-6 are anterior, posterior, and lateral views (respectively) of amulti-level spinal alignment system 10 according to another broad aspectof the present invention. In addition to the components of the singlelevel embodiment of FIGS. 2-3 (which need not be repeated) the multilevel spinal alignment system 10 includes at least one middle bone screw22 and at least two spinal fusion implants 28, which may also preferablybe introduced into the patient in a generally lateral manner (via openor minimally invasive techniques). As will be described with greaterdetail below, the multi-level spinal alignment system 10 of the presentinvention may be used to treat spinal deformities, including but notlimited to scoliosis. According to one aspect of the present invention,a plurality of spinal fusion implants 28 are introduced into targetedintervertebral spaces after access has been achieved. A superior bonescrew 14 is introduced into the vertebral body immediately superior tothe highest of the spinal fusion implants 28. An inferior bone screw 18is introduced into the vertebral body immediately inferior to the lowestof the spinal fusion implants 28. A middle bone screw 22 is introducedinto each vertebral body in between the superior bone screw 14 and theinferior bone screw 18. As will be appreciated, the screws 14, 18, 22and implants 28 may be introduced in any order without departing fromthe scope of the invention.

According to one embodiment, the cable 12 may be threaded or otherwisepassed through apertures in the middle screws 22, and thereafter lockedto the superior bone screw. The cable may then be pulled or otherwisemanipulated such that the distance between the superior bone screw 14,the inferior bone screw 18, and any middle bone screws 22 is reduced.This serves to move the superior vertebral body, the inferior vertebralbody, and any intermediate vertebral bodies so as to correct or minimizethe spinal deformity. After this reduction, the cable 12 may be lockedto the middle bone screws 22 and inferior bone screw 18 to maintain thesuperior vertebral body, inferior vertebral body, and any intermediatevertebral bodies in the resulting configuration. In addition to mannerdescribed above, it is also contemplated that the cable 12 may becoupled to the superior bone screw 14 prior to introducing the middlebone screws 22 and/or the inferior bone screw 18.

Whether in the single level or multi level embodiments, the bone screws,cable, and fusion implants of the present invention may be provided inany number of suitable manners without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. For example, with reference to FIG. 7, the bonescrews 14, 18, 22 may each be provided having a “tulip style” cablehousing 50 coupled to a shaft 52. The cable housing 50 may be integrallyformed with the shaft 52 (forming a so-called “fixed axis” screw) oradjustably coupled to the shaft 52 (forming a so-called “poly-axial”screw). Any number of suitable closure mechanisms may be employed tosecure the cable 12 to the respective screws 14, 18, 22, including butnot limited to the threaded set screws 54. The set screws 54 include anexternal thread 56 dimensioned to engage within a threaded region 60provided within each cable housing 50. The shaft 52 includes anexternally disposed thread 62, which may be provided having any numberof suitable pitches, lengths, widths, etc., depending upon the surgicalapplication and patient anatomy. Other fasteners or anchors may also beused, such as those commonly used in surgical fixation procedures. Thebone screws 14, 18, 22 may be cannulated in order to allow preciseinsertion with the use of a K-wire or other surgicalinsertion-facilitating device that may be commonly used in such aprocedure.

The cable 12 is an elongated flexible member with a first end, a secondend, and a head member 30 located at the first end, and a main portion32 extending from the head member 30 to the second end. The head member30 of the cable 12 may be a spherical body shaped to be received withinand locked into the cable housing 50 of the superior bone screw 14. Itshould also be noted that the head member 30 may also be dimensioned inany number of suitable shapes necessary to facilitate surgical fixation,including but not limited to spherical, oval, flat, or rectangulardepending upon the configuration of the cable housing 50. The mainportion 32 may be composed of any substantially and suitable flexiblematerial capable of performing spinal alignment including, but notlimited to, steel, nylon, plastics, or various composites. Accordingly,any suitable shape for the cable 12 is useable, whether cylindrical,flat, square, or other suitable shapes and configurations within thescope of the present invention. As is described in detail below, thecable 12 is used to straighten curvature in the spine. It is also withinthe scope of the present invention that the cable 12 may be substitutedfor a rigid rod with or without a spherical head.

FIG. 8 illustrates a still further embodiment of the spinal alignmentsystem 10 of the present invention, wherein the middle screws 22 includea “side-loading” cable housing 50 coupled to the shaft 52. As with theembodiment of FIG. 7, the cable housing 50 may be either integrallyformed with the shaft 52 (forming a so-called “fixed axis” screw) oradjustably coupled to the shaft 52 (forming a so-called “poly-axial”screw). In either event, the cable housing 50 of each middle screw 22includes an aperture 42 extending generally perpendicularly therethroughand dimensioned to receive the main portion 32 of the cable 12. Whileshown as generally circular in cross section, the aperture 42 may beprovided having any number of suitable cross sectional shapes, such asan oval and/or rectangular, depending upon the cross sectional shape ofthe main section 32 of the cable 12.

In use, the main portion 32 of the cable 12 may be fed or otherwisedirected through each aperture 42 (either before or after the head 30 ofthe cable 12 is locked to the superior bone screw 14). As will bediscussed in greater detail below, the aperture 42 of each cable housing50 is dimensioned such that the main portion 32 will be allowed totraverse therethrough as the spinal alignment system 10 of the presentinvention is tightened or adjusted to effectuate spinal deformitycorrection. Once such a correction has been accomplished, the set screw54 of the inferior screw 18 may be employed to lock the spinal alignmentsystem 10 and thereby maintain the correction.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another embodiment of the spinal alignment system10 of the present invention, wherein the superior and inferior bonescrews 14, 18 each have a top-loading “post style” head region 70(including a threaded post 40 and a ring member 72) coupled to the shaft52. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the head region 70 may beeither integrally formed with the shaft 52 (forming a so-called “fixedaxis” screw) or adjustably coupled to the shaft 52 (forming a so-called“poly-axial” screw). In either event, the threaded post 40 of thesuperior bone screw 14 is dimensioned to be coupled to a correspondingaperture 38 formed in the head 30 of the cable 12 shown in FIG. 9 (whichrepresents an alternate embodiment relative to that shown in FIGS. 2-8and which will be described in greater detail below). The threaded post40 of the inferior bone screw 18 is dimensioned to be coupled to one ofseveral corresponding apertures 36 formed in the main portion 32according to the alternate embodiment of the cable 12 shown in FIG. 9.The cable housing 50 of each middle screw 22 includes an aperture 42dimensioned to pass the main portion 32 of the cable 12 therethrough ingenerally the same manner as the embodiment shown in FIG. 8. Any numberof suitable closure mechanisms may be employed to secure the cable 12 tothe respective threaded post 40, including but not limited to thethreaded nuts 74. The threaded nuts 74 include an internal thread 76dimensioned to engage with a threaded region provided on each threadedpost 40.

FIG. 10 illustrates the spinal fusion implants 28 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. The non-bone construction of thespinal fusion implant 28 may be provided in any number of suitableshapes and sizes depending upon the particular surgical need. The spinalfusion implant 28 may be dimensioned for use in the cervical and/orlumbar spine in any variety of ways, such as the design described incommonly owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/093,409, the entire contents of which are hereby expresslyincorporated by reference into this disclosure as if set forth fullyherein.

The spinal alignment system 10 of the present invention may be employedusing any number of suitable methods in addition to those previouslydescribed. FIGS. 11-13 illustrate, by way of example only, one suchmethod of installation of the multi level spinal alignment system 10 ofthe present invention. In order to use the spinal alignment system 10 ofthe present invention in a treatment of degenerative scoliosis, aclinician must first designate the appropriate spinal fusion implantsize 28. A clinician can utilize the spinal alignment system 10 ineither an open or minimally invasive technique involving a generallylateral approach. In either type of procedure, a working channel must becreated in a patient that reaches a targeted spinal level. According tothe present invention, the preferred approach for creating this workingchannel is from the lateral direction (as opposed to posterior,postero-lateral or anterior approaches). After the creation of theworking channel, the intervertebral space is prepared as desired,including but not limited to the use of a device for decorticating theendplates to promote fusion. After disc space preparation, the spinalfusion implants 28 may then be introduced into the preparedintervertebral spaces.

As shown in FIG. 11, once the spinal fusion implants 28 are in place,the middle bone screw(s) 22 are secured to the targeted vertebral site.The middle bone screw(s) 22 are inserted into a patient through thesurgical corridor such the middle bone screw(s) are attached intointermediate vertebral bodies. Once positioned as such, the cable 12 iseither passed through apertures in the middle bone screw(s) 22 or loadedinto the middle bone screw(s) 22. The step of securing middle bonescrew(s) 22 to a vertebral body may be omitted depending on whether asingle level or multi level system is being used. The use of middle bonescrew(s) 22 is not necessary in a single level spinal alignment system.

FIG. 12 illustrates a second step involving the insertion of thesuperior bone screw 14. According to one embodiment of the presentinvention, the superior bone screw 14 is inserted into a patient througha surgical corridor such that the superior bone screw 14 is attachedinto the vertebral body immediately superior to the highest of thespinal fusion implants 28. Once positioned as such, the head member 30of the cable 12 is loaded into the superior bone screw 14 and lockedinto position.

FIG. 13 illustrates a third step involving the insertion of the inferiorbone screw 18. According to one embodiment of the present invention, theinferior bone screw 18 is inserted into a patient through a surgicalcorridor such that the inferior bone screw 18 is attached into thevertebral body immediately inferior to the lowest of the spinal fusionimplants 28. Once positioned as such, the cable 12 may then be pulled orotherwise manipulated such that the distance between the superior bonescrew 14, the inferior bone screw 18, and any middle bone screw(s) 22 isreduced. This serves to move the superior vertebral body, the inferiorvertebral body, and any intermediate vertebral bodies so as to corrector minimize the spinal deformity. After this reduction, the main portion32 of the cable 12 may be loaded and locked into inferior bone screw 18.Consequently, the inferior bone screw 18 maintains the superiorvertebral body, inferior vertebral body, and any intermediate vertebralbodies in compression.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the spinal alignment system 10 is configured suchthat the superior bone screws 14, inferior bone screws 18, and/or middlebone screw(s) 22 may be secured directly into a spinal fusion implant 28instead of being secured into the vertebral bodies. The bone screws(superior 14, inferior 18 or middle bone screw(s) 22) may be introducedinto the implants 28 before, during and/or after the implants 28 areintroduced into the respective intervertebral spaces. As shown in FIGS.15-16, a bone screw (superior 14, inferior 18 or middle bone screw(s)22) may be received into a spinal fusion implant 28 by either securingthe bone screw substantially midway through the implant 28 (FIG. 15) orsubstantially through the entire implant 28 (FIG. 16). The cable 12 iscoupled to the bone screws and is then capable of being pulled orotherwise manipulated to move the spinal implants 28 towards one anotherand thereby effect spinal deformity correction.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by wayof example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that the description herein of specificembodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particularforms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for treating spinal deformitiescomprising: an implant configured for introduction to an interbody spacethrough a lateral approach having an upper surface includinganti-migration elements to contact a first vertebra when said implant ispositioned within the interbody space between the first vertebra and asecond vertebra, a lower surface including anti-migration elements tocontact said second vertebra when said implant is positioned within theinterbody space, a distal wall, a proximal wall, a first sidewall toface an anterior aspect of said interbody space when said implant ispositioned within the interbody space and a second sidewall to face aposterior aspect of said interbody space when said implant is positionedwithin the interbody space, said distal wall, proximal wall, firstsidewall, and second sidewall comprising a radiolucent material, whereinsaid implant has a longitudinal length extending from a proximal end ofsaid proximal wall to a distal end of said distal wall and a widthextending from said first sidewall to said second sidewall, the implanthaving at least a first fusion aperture extending through said uppersurface and lower surface and configured to permit bone growth betweenthe first vertebra and the second vertebra when said implant ispositioned within the interbody space, said first fusion aperturehaving: a longitudinal aperture length extending generally parallel tothe longitudinal length of said implant, and a lateral aperture widthextending between said first sidewall to said second sidewall, whereinthe longitudinal aperture length is greater than the lateral aperturewidth; and a first bone screw configured for introduction through alateral approach, the bone screw being securable to said first implantand including a tulip-shaped housing; a second bone screw dimensioned tobe introduced through a generally lateral approach, the second bonescrew being securable to one of the lateral aspect of a vertebral bodyand a second implant positioned in a second intervertebral space andincluding a tulip-shaped housing; and an elongate member configured tobe coupled to said tulip-shaped housings of said first and second bonescrews.
 2. The system for treating spinal deformities of claim 1,further comprising: a third bone screw dimensioned to be introducedthrough a lateral approach and secured to at least one of the lateralaspects of a vertebral body, a second implant, and a third implant. 3.The system for treating spinal deformities of claim 1, wherein an anglebetween a screw portion and the tulip-shaped housing of at least one ofsaid first and second bone screws is variable.
 4. The system fortreating spinal deformities of claim 1, wherein at least one of saidfirst and second bone screws are cannulated.
 5. The system for treatingspinal deformities of claim 1, wherein the first end of said elongatemember includes a shaped head member.
 6. The system for treating spinaldeformities of claim 1, wherein said elongate member is composed of atleast one of steel, titanium, titanium alloy, nitinol, nylon, plastic,and polymer.
 7. The system for treating spinal deformities of claim 1,wherein said elongate member is at least one of a cable and a rigid rod.8. The system for treating spinal deformities of claim 1, furtherincluding a second fusion aperture extending through said upper surfaceand lower surface and configured to permit bone growth between the firstvertebra and the second vertebra when said implant is positioned withinthe interbody space.
 9. The system for treating spinal deformities ofclaim 8, further comprising a medial support extending between the firstand second sidewalls and separating said first and second fusionapertures.
 10. The spinal fusion implant of claim 1, wherein saidimplant includes at least one visualization aperture extending throughat least one of said first sidewall and said second sidewall.
 11. Thesystem for treating spinal deformities of claim 1, wherein said elongatemember is secured within the tulip-shaped housing of each of the firstand second bone screws by a set screw.
 12. A system for treating spinaldeformities comprising: an implant configured for introduction to aninterbody space through a lateral approach having an upper surfaceincluding anti-migration elements to contact a first vertebra when saidimplant is positioned within the interbody space between the firstvertebra and a second vertebra, a lower surface including anti-migrationelements to contact said second vertebra when said implant is positionedwithin the interbody space, a distal wall, a proximal wall, a firstsidewall to face an anterior aspect of said interbody space when saidimplant is positioned within the interbody space and a second sidewallto face a posterior aspect of said interbody space when said implant ispositioned within the interbody space, said distal wall, proximal wall,first sidewall, and second sidewall comprising a radiolucent material,wherein said implant has a longitudinal length extending from a proximalend of said proximal wall to a distal end of said distal wall and awidth extending from said first sidewall to said second sidewall, theimplant having at least a first fusion aperture extending through saidupper surface and lower surface and configured to permit bone growthbetween the first vertebra and the second vertebra when said implant ispositioned within the interbody space, said first fusion aperturehaving: a longitudinal aperture length extending generally parallel tothe longitudinal length of said implant, and a lateral aperture widthextending between said first sidewall to said second sidewall, whereinthe longitudinal aperture length is greater than the lateral aperturewidth; and a first bone screw configured for introduction through alateral approach and securable to said first implant; a second bonescrew dimensioned to be introduced through a generally lateral approachand securable to one of the lateral aspect of a vertebral body and asecond implant positioned in a second intervertebral space; and anelongate member configured to be coupled to said first and second bonescrews, wherein a set screw is utilized to couple the elongate member toat least one of said first and second bone screws.
 13. The system fortreating spinal deformities of claim 12, wherein at least one of saidfirst and second bone screws are variable angle screws.
 14. The systemfor treating spinal deformities of claim 12, wherein at least one ofsaid first and second bone screws are cannulated.
 15. The system fortreating spinal deformities of claim 12, wherein the first end of saidelongate member includes a shaped head member.
 16. The system fortreating spinal deformities of claim 12, wherein said elongate member iscomposed of at least one of steel, titanium, titanium alloy, nitinol,nylon, plastic, and polymer.
 17. The system for treating spinaldeformities of claim 12, wherein said elongate member is at least one ofa cable and a rigid rod.
 18. The system for treating spinal deformitiesof claim 12, further including a second fusion aperture extendingthrough said upper surface and lower surface and configured to permitbone growth between the first vertebra and the second vertebra when saidimplant is positioned within the interbody space.
 19. The system fortreating spinal deformities of claim 18, further comprising a medialsupport extending between the first and second sidewalls and separatingsaid first and second fusion apertures.
 20. The spinal fusion implant ofclaim 12, wherein said implant includes at least one visualizationaperture extending through at least one of said first sidewall and saidsecond sidewall.
 21. The system for treating spinal deformities of claim12, wherein said first and second bone screw each includes a tulipshaped housing.
 22. The system for treating spinal deformities of claim12, further comprising: a third bone screw dimensioned to be introducedthrough a lateral approach and secured to at least one of the lateralaspects of a vertebral body, a second implant and a third implant.
 23. Asystem for treating spinal deformities comprising: an implant configuredfor introduction to an interbody space through a lateral approach havingan upper surface including anti-migration elements to contact a firstvertebra when said implant is positioned within the interbody spacebetween the first vertebra and a second vertebra, a lower surfaceincluding anti-migration elements to contact said second vertebra whensaid implant is positioned within the interbody space, a distal wall, aproximal wall, a first sidewall to face an anterior aspect of saidinterbody space when said implant is positioned within the interbodyspace and a second sidewall to face a posterior aspect of said interbodyspace when said implant is positioned within the interbody space, saiddistal wall, proximal wall, first sidewall, and second sidewallcomprising a radiolucent material, wherein said implant has alongitudinal length extending from a proximal end of said proximal wallto a distal end of said distal wall and a width extending from saidfirst sidewall to said second sidewall, the implant having at least afirst fusion aperture extending through said upper surface and lowersurface and configured to permit bone growth between the first vertebraand the second vertebra when said implant is positioned within theinterbody space, said first fusion aperture having: a longitudinalaperture length extending generally parallel to the longitudinal lengthof said implant, and a lateral aperture width extending between saidfirst sidewall to said second sidewall, wherein the longitudinalaperture length is greater than the lateral aperture width; and a firstbone screw configured for introduction through a lateral approach andsecurable to said first implant; a second bone screw dimensioned to beintroduced through a generally lateral approach and secured to one ofthe lateral aspect of a vertebral body and a second implant positionedin a second intervertebral space; an elongate member configured to becoupled to said first and second bone screws; and a third bone screwdimensioned to be introduced through a lateral approach and securable toat least one of the lateral aspect of a vertebral body, a secondimplant, and a third implant, the third bone screw including aside-loading housing dimensioned to receive said elongate membertherethrough.